Buhari: towards a brave new cabinet

But, tell Patience Jonathan that in addition to our cows, those “shildren we no fit count” as well as the “shildren we throw way” all voted against Jonathan this March 28! The only thing we have for the barren, whether among us or the neighbourhood, is sympathy. As for stone throwing, there are more stones […]

But, tell Patience Jonathan that in addition to our cows, those “shildren we no fit count” as well as the “shildren we throw way” all voted against Jonathan this March 28! The only thing we have for the barren, whether among us or the neighbourhood, is sympathy. As for stone throwing, there are more stones in the North than anywhere in Nigeria. So, those who will start throwing stones at us because they are terrified of change should note appropriately. Tell Chief Edwin Clark too, that just as he wished, we’ve left the PDP to them and the All Progressives Congress (APC) alliance of the North and South West will take over power, all of it, this May.
The party has not only remained in the gutter but has sunk to the nadir. And so as we await the confirmation of (People’s) General Muhammadu Buhari’s victory by INEC, there is the need to pay attention to the personalities that will make it into his cabinet.
The twin issues we know about the nature of Buhari’s cabinet: one, it will be made up of competent people and two; it has no place for the corrupt. Speaking at the launch of his presidential campaign in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Buhari declared: “I assure you that we are going to finally assemble a competent team of Nigerians to efficiently manage this country.”
Many of those who’ll make Buhari’s cabinet are already campaigning with him. Buhari has repeatedly said the economy, security and fight against corruption and unemployment are his priorities. In that case, Buhari can hand the Ministry of Finance to Oby Ezekwesili. Oby’s skills and rich experience as a chartered accountant, former “Madam Due Process”, former World Bank Vice President, Minister of Solid Minerals and then Minister of Education, put her in good stead to serve as an excellent Minister of Finance She’s a woman of good conscience and has the fear of God. A few months ago, Oby made a powerful presentation at an APC lecture where she deplored the poor attitude of the political elite to the country’s problems. Lately, she has been campaigning for the release of the Chibok girls. Oby will help Buhari curb wastes, invest in critical sectors of the economy and husband Nigeria’s resources.
As for security, Buhari may wish to consider Rotimi Amaechi for the post of Defence Minister. Amaechi has been courageous in the face of intimidation from both the army and the militants, handing him the ministry will enable him to once and for all clear Niger Delta of murderous militancy inspired by Asari Dokubo, Ateke Tom, Tompolo, etc. In the alternative, he could be deployed to Petroleum Ministry.
Another important appointment Buhari will announce is that of National Security Adviser. General Dr AbdulRahman Bello Danbazzau should be able to fill this vacancy. Danbazzau, an officer and a gentleman, a PhD holder and academician, and a thoroughly exposed professional, will work harmoniously with Amaechi to restore security to our beleaguered country.
Equally important is the person to man the Ministry of Works; the man who has penchant for the necessary work to upgrade Nigeria’s infrastructure is Babatunde Raji Fashola. Fashola will work together with Lagos APC Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to clear the clogs of progress in Lagos. The urgency to reverse the disgraceful condition of the roads leading to Murtala Muhammed Airport and Apapa is best appreciated by Fashola. Fashola, in love with bridges, should be able to reduce the cost of the so-called 2nd Niger Bridge and complete it ahead of Jonathan’s 2019 deadline. Fashola, in four years must also renegotiate and complete a new rail line from Lagos to Kano, assist finish Lagos light rail line under construction as well as the intra-city line in Abuja which has defied three administrations. Fashola will also complete the Kano-Maiduguri carriageway, the East-West Road, Minna – Suleija, Abuja – Lokoja and initiate Gusau – Sokoto, etc.
Dr Kayode Fayemi will also make a good minister, either in Education or Foreign Affairs. He’s very intelligent, detribalised and has global reach. Currently, he is the Director of Research of the Buhari campaign and he has done a good job.
Perhaps, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, a long standing spokesman of the APC should just transmute to Minister of Information. Alhaji Lai has painstakingly explained his party’s manifesto, without emotions, and is good enough for Buhari’s cabinet.
Ogbonnaya Onu, a calm and calculating chemical engineer and a trustworthy gentleman is good enough for the Ministry of Petroleum. He will be on a familiar ground there, he will help rewrite the so called Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and ensure its quick passage and implementation.
Senator Hadi Sirika could man the Ministry of Aviation and clear the mess left by Stella Oduah. The much advertised controversial remodelling has left our airports scruffy and the ministry itself heavily indebted. Elsewhere in Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara, Barr Bukhari Bello, Barr Inuwa AbdulKadir and APC’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Lawal Shuaibu, may all get ministerial appointments. I also suspect that APC’s national secretary, Mala Buni, a very simple and unassuming fellow, will make Buhari’s cabinet.
Lest I forget, Buhari will also have to leave an office vacant for Femi Fani-Kayode, because he will surely return to the APC fold. It’s up to Buhari to determine whether he needs Femi close to him or outside there in the cold.
In the meantime, I pray that Buhari’s fanatical supporters will celebrate his victory with moderation so we live long to see him sworn in this May 29. All hail the People’s General!